With 170,000 people due to visit Hylands Park for the annual music event, police will be focusing on eradicating drug-dealing and theft.

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ESSEX Police have issued some advice to music lovers as they descend on Chelmsford for this weekend's V Festival.

With 170,000 people due to visit Hylands Park for the annual music event, police will be focusing on eradicating drug-dealing and theft.

High-visibility policing throughout the campsites will look to deter career criminals, but people are urged to leave valuable possessions at home and to keep mobile phones and electrical items with them wherever they go.

An array of CCTV cameras have been installed to give security, ambulance staff and police officers extensive coverage across the area, enabling them to respond to distressed revellers or criminal activity quickly.

Police will also be on patrol throughout the park as they look to identify drug-dealers and remove them from the site after arrest.

Drug detection dog teams from Kent Police will be visible in and around the site, looking out for dealers and anyone with personal-use drugs in their possession. Police horses will also be present to look out for troublemakers and ticket touts.

Police have warned touts to stay away from Chelmsford and especially the area, with organisers and undercover police looking to prosecute those who are illegally selling tickets.

Policing co-ordinator Supt Steve Johnson said: "We're looking forward to seeing young and old from across Essex and further a field here in Chelmsford, sampling the delights the festival and town have to offer.

"However, let them be under no illusions about our stance on drug-taking or dealing. We will prosecute anyone seen to be committing criminal offences.

"We need people to help themselves from avoiding becoming victims of crime. They need to use common sense and think about their personal security as well as that of their property."

A temporary 30mph speed limit will be enforced along sections of the A414 surrounding Hylands Park from Friday afternoon to Monday morning to reduce the likelihood of any collisions and to minimise congestion.

Strictly-enforced parking restrictions on nearby streets as well as road closures will look to lessen the disruption to residents in Writtle and Widford. Offending vehicles will be towed away and impounded, involving delays and costs to owners.

Supt Johnson added: "We have always seen good-natured festivals and we hope it continues again this year.